11/09/2020
Such a powerful story of Joe Biden’s journey as a widowed father. Thank you to all the widowed fathers who love and raise their children amidst their pain and the many added responsibilities of widowed fatherhood. You are greatly appreciated.
On the morning of December 18th, his life seemed near perfect. He had a great marriage, three healthy and happy kids, had graduated law school and just been awarded his dream job. He was 30 years old and had every reason to believe the future ahead was bright.
Later that day, while out Christmas shopping, his wife and children were involved freak car accident when a tractor-trailer had slammed into their car. After hearing the news, he raced to the hospital where he learned that his wife and infant daughter had died. His two young sons were injured, but would survive.
Everything changed in an instant. A future so promising was snatched away. At age 30, he was now a widowed father.
Devastated beyond measure, he focused his energies on caring for his boys. Being a father meant more now than ever. They had lost their Mom, and he was now their everything. He planned to quit his new job, and only agreed to stay on when assured that he could be home every night with the boys.
The ensuing days, weeks, and months were tough. He grieved deeply, slept little, and tried to help his sons make sense of their loss. The future felt scary. There were times when he was sure that he would never feel whole again.
But he persevered. He grew as a person - and as a father. He found meaning in his work and in connecting with others. In time, he found love again.
This widowed father reimagined a new life for himself and his family.
And this week, he was elected President of the United States.
